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Binman appears in court over drugs which killed Leah Kerry

A bin man has appeared before a Crown Court judge accused of supplying the drugs which killed teenager Leah Kerry at a park in Newton Abbot

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by Neil Shaw

12:27, 10 Aug 2017

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Leah Kerry

A bin man has appeared before a Crown Court judge accused of supplying the drugs which killed teenager Leah Kerry at a park in Newton Abbot.

Jacob Khanlarian, aged 20, did not enter a plea when he appeared by video link from Exeter Prison and his case was adjourned pending toxicology reports on samples taken from Leah's body. Leah, aged 15, from Torquay, died after taking drugs with a group of friends in Bakers Park, Newton Abbot, on July 15.

Khanlarian handed himself into the police after her death and told them he had supplied a substance he believed to be MDMA, also known as ecstasy, to a group of girls. He was not asked to enter a plea when he appeared before Judge Graham Cottle at Exeter Crown Court.

Khanlarian, aged 20 from Newton Abbot, is accused of possession of MDMA and cannabis with intent to supply. He is alleged to have supplied drugs to a number of girls at the park, including Leah and it is understood he handed himself in to police after learning of the tragedy.

Jeffrey Segan, defending, said his client intends to plead guilty and had made 'full and frank admissions' to the police. He said some doubt remains over the link between Khanlarian's alleged supply of drugs and the death in the light of statements made by those who were with her.

Caroline Bolt, prosecuting, said the case must be adjourned to await the results of toxicology test which are expected to establish the exact nature of the drugs which were found in Leah's body. She said:"We are awaiting toxicology reports. We need to establish that the drugs supplied are the ones ingested by the young lady who unfortunately died."

Judge Cottle adjourned the case until August 31, 2017, when Khanlarian is likely to enter pleas via the video link. Leah's family released a tribute to her through the police after her death.

The statement said reads: "The sudden and tragic passing of our beautiful Leah has been the most painful experience that we have all ever had to endure.

"Leah was a delightful strong-willed, caring and compassionate child and had developed into a courageous and confident young women; who was ready to take on the world.

"Leah had really started to engage in her education and for the first time since leaving primary school, felt very well accepted and supported by her school setting in Salisbury.

"She lit up any room she walked into with her incredible personality, sense of humour, striking looks and demeanour, those who know her will ache to hear the words "You allriiight" one last time.

"Leah had the benefit of good information and advice from many different sources at various intervals of her adolescent life, Leah was well aware of the nature of different illicit substances and the risks attached.

"Sadly, despite being well aware of the risks, she thought she was invincible and she rolled the dice and has paid the ultimate price.

"If there are any young people who have known Leah, or who have heard about her story, I would urge them on Leah's behalf to not make the same mistake and to make better and safer choices when out in the community.

"If even one young person decides to reduce their risk taking behaviour and not take these dangerous tablets, then Leah's death has not been in vain.